Nigel Reo Coker is set to captain Aston Villa for their Europa League tie with Rapid Vienna tonight, Mat Kendrick reports from Austria.

Reo Coker is set to be joined by Barry Bannan in central midfield wtih Marc Albrighton and Stewart Downing likely to start on the wings.

Kevin MacDonald will field a weakened team for the fixture in the capital of Austria tonight after six senior players were unavailable for selection and Stiliyan Petrov, Ashley Young and Luke Young were rested.

Emile Heskey is believed to be the favourite to start up front with Nathan Delfouneso and Andreas Weimann fighting for the second striker's position in what is expected to be a 4-4-2 formation.

Brad Friedel is expected to play in goal with Habib Beye, Ciaran Clark, Curtis Davies and Stephen Warnock making up the back four in the qualifying round first leg tie for the Europa League.